Mount Alvernia rises just 206 feet above sea level, yet it holds the title of the highest point in all of The Bahamas. At the top sits The Hermitage, a hand-built stone monastery that Father Jerome, a British architect-turned-monk, constructed in the early 20th century. The view from the summit stretches across the island and the sea, and it is the natural centerpiece of any trip here. This four-day itinerary is built around that hill, with enough beach time, local music history, and slow-paced exploration to make the journey worthwhile.
Mount Alvernia is the highest point in The Bahamas at 206 feet, with The Hermitage monastery built by Father Jerome at the summit.
This is a relaxed itinerary, but getting around Cat Island requires a rental car and a willingness to drive on unpaved roads. The island is long and narrow, and some of the best beaches sit at opposite ends. If you only have four days, base yourself near New Bight to minimize driving and make Mount Alvernia your central anchor.
History buffs
Slow travelers
Solo hikers and couples
Here is how the four days break down at a glance.
| Day | Where You’re Going | What You’re Doing | Time Needed | Key Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | New Bight | Arrive, settle in, explore New Bight Beach | Half day | Book the earliest flight from Nassau to maximize beach time |
| Day 2 | Mount Alvernia + Old Bight | Climb to The Hermitage, afternoon on Old Bight Beach | Full day | Go up Mount Alvernia before 10am for the best light and cooler temps |
| Day 3 | Shanna’s Cove + Fernandez Bay | Drive north for swimming and snorkeling | Full day | Pack a cooler with lunch — there are no restaurants along that stretch |
| Day 4 | Greenwood Beach | Morning at the pink-sand beach, then depart | Half day | Greenwood is on the southern edge, so it works well as a last stop before the airport |
Cat Island has limited dining options outside of resort restaurants. Plan to stock up on snacks and drinks in New Bight or bring supplies from Nassau.
Day 1: Arrive in New Bight and Settle Into Island Time
Daily domestic flights connect Nassau to New Bight Airport in under an hour, and a few direct options from Fort Lauderdale via Makers Air also serve the island. The airport is small, so you will likely be poolside or beachside within 30 minutes of landing. New Bight Beach sits just a short walk from the airstrip and is a natural first stop, with fishing boats anchored offshore and a quiet, local feel.
Time on site: 30 minutes to clear the small terminal and grab bags. Transit to nearby lodging: 10 minutes by taxi or rental car. Book a rental car in advance through a New Bight agency — there is no rideshare service on the island.
Spend 2-3 hours here. The beach is a gathering spot with fishing boats and soft sand. It is a good place to stretch your legs and adjust to the pace. Transit back to lodging: 5 minutes.
This is an intentionally light day. Cat Island has no nightlife to speak of, so plan for a quiet dinner at your accommodation or a nearby guesthouse. Use the evening to map out the next few days — cell service can be patchy once you leave New Bight.
Day 2: The Hermitage and the Longest Beach in the Bahamas
This is the day the itinerary is built around. Mount Alvernia and The Hermitage sit near New Bight, and Old Bight Beach stretches nearly five miles to the south. Doing both in one day is realistic if you start early, and the contrast between the quiet summit and the open coastline gives you two very different sides of the island.
Allow 1.5-2 hours for the climb and time at the top. Stone markers of the Stations of the Cross line the path, and the monastery itself has tiny doorways and narrow windows that blend into the rock. The 360-degree view from the 206-foot summit is the payoff. Transit from New Bight lodging: 5-10 minutes by car. If you have a lightweight drone with a 4K HDR camera and GPS return-to-home, this is the place to use it — the perspective from above captures the way the monastery sits into the hilltop.
Drive 15 minutes south from Mount Alvernia. Spend 3-4 hours here. The beach runs nearly five miles and is one of the longest in The Bahamas. Rollezz Villas resort is on the beach if you want a lunch stop. This is a wide, uncrowded stretch of sand — bring an umbrella since there is little natural shade. Transit back to lodging: 15-20 minutes.
If the heat feels intense, cut the Old Bight time short and head back to New Bight Beach instead. The fishing boats provide some shade in the late afternoon, and the water is calmer for swimming.
Visit Mount Alvernia before 10am. The light is clearer for photos of the summit view, and the heat is less punishing on the short but exposed climb. The stone markers of the Stations of the Cross are easier to see in morning light, too.
Day 3: Northern Coast — Shanna’s Cove and Fernandez Bay
The northern end of Cat Island is the most remote part of the itinerary. The drive from New Bight to Shanna’s Cove takes about 45 minutes on roads that are partly unpaved. The reward is a crescent bay with wide, soft white sand and very few people. Fernandez Bay, on the way back south, offers better swimming and snorkeling conditions.
Drive 45 minutes north from New Bight. Spend 2 hours here. The bay is crescent-shaped with soft white sand, and a small hotel sits on the cove. There are no shops or restaurants nearby. Transit to Fernandez Bay: 25 minutes south.
Spend 2-3 hours here. This crescent-shaped beach is better for swimming and snorkeling than Shanna’s Cove. The water is typically calm. Transit back to New Bight lodging: 20 minutes.
This is the easiest day to cut if you are short on time. The northern beaches are pretty, but they require the most driving and do not offer anything you cannot find closer to New Bight. If you skip it, add a second morning at Old Bight Beach or a deeper exploration of the Hermitage grounds instead.
The roads north of New Bight are unpaved in sections and can be rough after rain. A standard rental car will handle them at low speed, but allow extra time. Fill up with gas in New Bight before heading north — there are no fuel stations on the northern end.
Day 4: Pink Sand at Greenwood Beach and Departure
Greenwood Beach sits on Cat Island’s southern edge and stands out for its pink sand. It is quieter than Old Bight and works well as a final morning stop before heading to the airport. The drive from New Bight to Greenwood takes about 25 minutes, and the airport is another 20 minutes north from there.
Spend 2 hours here. The pink sand is subtle but visible in good light. There are no facilities, so come prepared. Transit to New Bight Airport: 20 minutes north.
Arrive at least 45 minutes before your flight. The airport is small, but check-in can be slow if multiple flights are scheduled. The flight back to Nassau takes under an hour.
If your flight is early, skip Greenwood and spend the morning at New Bight Beach instead. The pink sand at Greenwood is not dramatic enough to justify a rushed departure.
Making It Work
Cat Island is not a place you rush through. The roads, the ferry connections, and the limited services all reward patience. Here is what you need to know before you go.
Getting Around
A rental car is essential. There is no public transport on Cat Island, and taxis are scarce outside of New Bight. Rental agencies operate out of New Bight Airport, and it is worth booking a week in advance during high season. The main road runs the length of the island, but many beach access roads are unpaved. A standard sedan will manage fine if you drive slowly. For families, packing a leather backpack with a padded laptop sleeve and multiple compartments makes it easier to carry snacks, sunscreen, and a change of clothes for each beach stop without juggling separate bags.
Trip Timing
December through April is the dry season and the most comfortable time to visit. Summer brings higher humidity and more mosquitoes, especially near the beaches at dusk. Hurricane season runs June through November, with the highest risk from August to October. If you visit during those months, buy trip insurance that covers weather-related cancellations.
Cost Reality
Cat Island is not a budget destination. Flights from Nassau cost around $150-250 round trip, and rental cars run $60-90 per day. Accommodation options are limited to small hotels, guesthouses, and a few villas — there are no large chain resorts. Dinner at a guesthouse restaurant typically runs $20-35 per person. Groceries are more expensive than in Nassau because most food is shipped in.
If you are comparing Cat Island to other Bahamas itineraries, consider reading our guide for a multigenerational Bahamas trip that keeps grandparents and toddlers happy or our first week in the Bahamas for total beginners for broader context.
Cat Island is where rake and scrape music originated — a style using a saw, goatskin drum, and accordion. If you are lucky, a local gathering or festival will feature live rake and scrape, especially around Emancipation Day in August. Sir Sidney Poitier, the first Black man to win the Academy Award for Best Actor, also grew up on Cat Island, and locals still speak of him with pride.
- Base yourself near New Bight to minimize driving — it sits at the midpoint of the island and within 10 minutes of Mount Alvernia.
- Book a rental car well in advance and expect unpaved roads on the northern end.
- Plan meals around what your accommodation offers — restaurant options are limited outside New Bight.
Cat Island Travel Questions
Is one day enough for Mount Alvernia and the beaches?
Yes, for the central area. You can climb The Hermitage and spend the afternoon on Old Bight Beach in one day. But you will not see the northern or southern ends of the island in that time, so stick to the New Bight area if you only have a short stop.
What is the biggest mistake people make on Cat Island?
Underestimating the driving distances. Cat Island is 48 miles long, and the unpaved roads mean a 30-mile drive can take over an hour. Plan your days geographically rather than trying to see the whole island in one go.
Is Cat Island safe for solo travelers?
Generally yes. Crime rates are low, and locals are welcoming. The main concern is isolation — cell service is patchy, and some beaches have no other people around. Let someone know your plans if you head to a remote beach alone.
When is the best time to climb Mount Alvernia?
Early morning, before 10am. The climb is short but exposed, and midday sun on the limestone rock can be intense. Morning light also makes the stone Stations of the Cross along the path easier to photograph.
Is Cat Island worth the travel time from Nassau?
It depends on what you want. If you are after quiet beaches, history, and solitude, yes. If you want nightlife, shopping, or all-inclusive convenience, stay on New Providence or Paradise Island. The flight from Nassau is under an hour, but the pace on Cat Island is much slower.
One Hill That Changes How You See the Bahamas
Mount Alvernia is not tall by any normal standard, but standing at the top of The Hermitage you understand why Father Jerome chose that spot. The island spreads out below you, the sea surrounds it on both sides, and for a moment it feels like you are on top of something much bigger. That perspective is what makes the trip worth the effort. If you time it right, the whole four-day arc — arrival, the climb, the beaches, the departure — fits together in a way that feels complete rather than rushed. For more Bahamas trip ideas, check out our guide to a cruise ship day in Nassau for a faster-paced contrast.
Sources and further reading
Caribbean Journal. “Cat Island, Bahamas: Sound Beach and The Hermitage.” 2025. 🔗
Related reading on IslandHopperGuides
The Dive-Focused Itinerary for Underwater Obsessives — A Bahamas itinerary built around the best dive sites rather than beaches and history.
The Bachelor Party Itinerary That Doesn’t End in Regret — A completely different Bahamas trip aimed at groups who want action and nightlife.